Not even an extreme cold snap could slow down Spruce Grove firefighters.

For the ninth consecutive year, individuals from the fire services in the city camped out on the roof of their offices on King Street. Dan Campbell, Kevin Finlay, Bryce McNalley and Ed McLean spent time on the roof from Feb. 11 to 14 and, though it was cold, organizer Mitchell Balfour says the discomfort was worth it to help those who deal with muscular dystrophy in the city.

“These people live their lives in pain all throughout the year, day in and day out,” he said. “What are a few days for us? It means nothing for to stay up on the roof and brave the elements to raise money.”

Muscular dystrophy is a disease that degenerates skeletal muscles over time and eventually leaves many unable to walk. According to the Canadian Neuromuscular Diseases Network, it has a prevalence of 1.5 per 100,000 males in Canada. Muscular Dystrophy Canada has worked with firefighters to raise funds for a decade and what is raised stays in local communities.

Previous fundraisers in Spruce Grove have risen between $20,000 and $30,000 over the four days of camping. To date, money raised over the last few years is more than $200,000 and this year the team raised over $20,000 for those in the community who benefit from the assistance.

For Balfour, helping them live is what matters most to him.

“There is probably about five to 10 people in Spruce Grove who are afflicted with muscular dystrophy,” he said. “It is a terrible, terrible and awful disease and it is good to be able to help them. There is no break.”